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Fast Food Nutrition

Fast Food Nutrition

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Science Fair Project Description

Fast food is very popular as evident by the number of fast food chains in our neighborhoods. But does the convenience that fast food offer come at a cost? In this science project, you will be conducting a survey to understand "fast food habits", and you will also examine the nutritional vale of these meals.
Complexity level:5
Time required:Additional time is needed to conduct survey
Safety concerns:

Overview

The dietary habits of Americans are a great cause for concern. Based on statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), our dietary choices are making a major impact on our health. In the USA, heart disease is the leading cause of death, with close to 100 million Americans dying from heart disease-related problems annually; dietary habits are a major factor, responsible for these numbers. It is estimated that there are 50,000 fast food chains in America. In conducting this study, you will be able to determine the nutritional value of fast food offered at these restaurants.

Scientific Terms

Nutrition, Fast food

Materials

Internet access

120 participants: 60 male, 60 female, evenly distributed across the following age groups- 18 and under, 18-30, 30-50, and 50 and over.

Notepad and writing materials

Procedure

Interview the participants on their fast food habits by asking the following question:

How often do you eat fast food in any given month?

Which fast food restaurants to go usually to?

What do you normally order? Ask for specifics. For example:

- Size: (Large fries or large drink?)

- Cheese added to hamburger

- Sauces

Check the nutritional value of restaurants by going online (Resources are provided in the bibliography section).

Compare the nutritional information with the recommended daily nutritional standards (Resources are provided in the bibliography section).

Repeat this process with all participants.

Summarize your findings for the group: How hazardous are the eating habits of your group of participants?

References

Fast Food nutrition http://www.fastfoodnutrition.org/

"Fast Food Restaurants & Nutrition Facts Compared" from the A Calorie Counter website at http://www.acaloriecounter.com/fast-food.php

"Interactive Fast Food Menu with Fitness" from the Extension website at http://www.extension.org/pages/24390/interactive-fast-food-menu-with-fitness#.Uu7Qzfuukp4

"Reference Values for Nutrition Labeling" from the Netrition website at http://www.netrition.com/rdi_page.html

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